Debt Ratios for Home Lending
Lenders use a ratio called "debt to income" to determine your maximum monthly payment after you have paid your other recurring loans.
Understanding your qualifying ratio
Most underwriting for conventional mortgages needs a qualifying ratio of 28/36. FHA loans are less restrictive, requiring a 29/41 ratio.
For these ratios, the first number is how much (by percent) of your gross monthly income that can be spent on housing costs. This ratio is figured on your total payment, including hazard insurance, homeowners' dues, PMI - everything.
The second number in the ratio is the maximum percentage of your gross monthly income that should be applied to housing expenses and recurring debt. Recurring debt includes things like car loans, child support and monthly credit card payments.
For example:
A 28/36 ratio
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .28 = $980 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .36 = $1,260 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
With a 29/41 (FHA) qualifying ratio
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .29 = $1,015 can be applied to housing
- Gross monthly income of $3,500 x .41 = $1,435 can be applied to recurring debt plus housing expenses
If you'd like to run your own numbers, we offer a Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualifying Calculator.
Just Guidelines
Remember these are only guidelines. We will be thrilled to go over pre-qualification to help you figure out how much you can afford.
Americn Hero Mortgage can walk you through the pitfalls of getting a mortgage. Call us: 754-202-4376.